Elderly and suicide

The elderly have a very high rate of suicide. Getting older has many unpleasant aspects. One main reason is increase of medical issues as well as psychological issues. When a person's body ages it begins to lose the abilities it had during previous years. This is a difficult fact to accept.

Socialization also differs in senior years and the loss of loved ones can begin to cause a loss in spirit or will to live, or depression. Feeling old and isolated or lonely is common.

Many elderly contemplate suicide. If you know someone who is elderly and presents any of the warning signs discussed in these blogs, please go to them and talk with them about their thoughts.

Elderly people have an entire life of experiences to share. It is always odd how young people seem to think older people have just always been old people...duh???

Many elderly could benefit from a compassionate person to help them change their life. If someone you know appears depressed, ask if they are thinking about suicide. Simply say " Do you ever think about suicide?" It seems hard but it is important and can save lives. ( another topic for another day)

Please be kind and respectful to the elderly. There is only one alternative to aging and that is death. So unless you die ...you too will one day experience what it is like to be elderly.